As summer draws near our kids begin to look forward to our time at the lake with excitement and eager anticipation. Every summer we spend two weeks at the lake where my husband spent his childhood summers. It’s a fun and exciting time for all.
The kids are finally getting old enough that we can really enjoy the boat and water activities like skiing, tubing, and fishing. We love to water ski and were super excited when our oldest started water skiing last summer.
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All three kids share Grandpa’s love of fishing (especially when they catch fish).
Grandpa agreed to take all three kids out on the pontoon boat fishing last summer, as long as Daddy tagged along. Our oldest child had gone out fishing with Grandpa a few times and the youngest two felt like they were missing out. Little did Grandpa know what he was agreeing too.
They did fine driving out to the fishing spot and anchoring the boat. They even enjoyed a few minutes of uneventful fishing until a shoe went overboard and then a fishing pole overboard. They stuck with it for awhile and even caught a few fish before giving up when two fishing lines became tangled.
The kids have been riding in boats since they were babies and know what the expectations are, but Grandpa always gives them (and us) a quick reminder each summer as we start our lake vacation.
Laws vary slightly from state to state but this is a good basis to start from when boating with kids.
Boating Safety with Kids
1 Life jackets are a must. All children should wear a properly fitting life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats, around open bodies of water or when participating in water sports. Water wings and other swimming aids should not be used in place of a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.
2. Set some basic rules: keep hands and feet in the boat at all time and no running on the boat. Stay away from the motor and propeller.
3. Childproof your boat. Don’t leave keys in the ignition when the boat is unattended. Don’t leave sharp objects (fishing lures) and exposed wires out.
4. Don’t leave kids unattended in and around boats.
5. Set a good example. You need to practice safe boating procedures. Kids follow your example.
6. Consider enrolling older kids in a boating course. My husband took a boating course as a tween and was then able to help out with more of the boating tasks. They will learn the basics of boat operation and safety. Many states require powerboat operators to take a boating course and carry a license or certificate.
Boating Scavenger Hunt
This boating scavenger hunt is a fun hands on way for kids to learn about the parts of a boat and things associated with boating.
Print it here>>>Boating Scavenger Hunt
With just a few safety rules and procedures, boating can be a great way to spend time together as a family in the summer.
We would love to hear your favorite boating memories and boating plans for this summer.
Be sure to check out Discover Boating to help you get in the water this summer and make your boating experience a memorable one.
Discover Boating is a national, nonprofit program on behalf of the US recreational boating industry aimed to help people get on the water to experience the fun of boating. For those looking to get their feet wet, Discover Boating is an unbiased online resource packed with easy, interactive features on all things boating, including a boat selector tool, get on the water tab where you can find rentals, classes and charters, cost comparison tool, renting options, youth boating programs, education courses – even nautical lingo and how-to videos.
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I haven’t been on a boat in years, but my brother in law just bought one so that is about to change! Thanks for the safety tips!!
I’ve never really go boating, not that I”ve never been on boat, but I found your post is very interesting and informative. I learn some more things about boating through your post. Thank you for this informative post.
We always loved taking our daughter out on the boat. I love the scavenger hunt. What a fun way to make sure everyone knows where the important things are.
The boating scavenger hunt sounds like an exciting twist on its land partner’s treasure hunt theme. Its important to make sure everyone is aware of boating safety too.
Great safety tips. As a Fl girl we are near the water a lot.
We don’t have a boat or even have a friend with a boat (though we keep looking!), but we just love being on the water! We may need to take a long weekend and rent one this summer. I will remember your tips to share with the kids.
Perfect timing for reading this post! We just bought a boat and will be taking out for the first time in a couple of weeks. I was also considering having my kids, 11 & 15, take the boating course to get better acquainted with general boating knowledge and safety.
A great reminder and refresher, and good to go over these each year! I grew up boating on small boats, and my dad meant business when it came to fishing. I don’t think anyone ever lost a shoe or a pole, though.
This is so awesome! I haven’t ever been able to take our kiddos boating as of yet, but I loved going as a kid!
Boating safety is so important. I have known a couple of people who had some serious injuries because they weren’t very safe on their boats. They should have paid better attention to the safety rules.
Wow, it looks as though you guys had lots of fun. Can’t believe your little guy went water skiing. Great safety tips too.
I grew up on a boat out on the lake! Every summer we were out there, water skiing, tubing, jumping off the boat. It was a ton of fun – we ALWAYS had to wear life jackets.
My ex mother in laws brother has a boat and is always on it with the 3 older kids, they all know the do’s and dont’s of boating but it is good to remind them even if they have been out on them alot. Life jackets are a must have.
My fondest memories from my childhood are with my grandpa on his boat. I was taught safety first thing and agree it’s really important.
Great safety tips for boating. I love the boating scavenger hunt printable.
All great reminders. It’s could be easy to get caught up in all the fun of boating and forget about some of the simple safety tips. Especially at the beginning of boating season.
LOL those kids would have to go without me. I am not a fan of being in any boat unless it is the last mode of transportation out of Dodge..
Thanks for writing this much-needed post for this time of year. I love how the scavenger hunt can be used as an orientation training for the kids before they set sail!
Great tips and reminders! I wish I had the opportunity to go boating more often. I think it’s something my family would truly enjoy.
Yes, it is so important to be safe when you go boating. We are always very careful with the kids on the boat.
I always loved going out with my grandparents and fishing in their boat when I was younger. It was so fun! We always had to wear a life vest and everything. Safety is definitely important, especially with kids.
The scavengar hunt is a great idea. Now my kids are young adults and the times fishing can be most interesting.
This is such an important post now with the hot weather in season. This is perfect and I wish parents would take this serious.
We have never taken the kids on a boat, but hoping to get out on the river this summer. These tips will come in super handy, thanks for sharing 🙂
These are great tips! It’s important to be save when we’re on the water. I love the addition of the bingo printable as well!
The scavenger hunt is a great idea to get kids familiar with the boat. In case of an emergency, them knowing where things are located might make a huge difference! Thanks for sharing the tips.